City Asks for Skatepark Input

The 10,000-square-foot park, which will be located in Tobey Fields next to the city's new dog park — and right behind the parks services offices — has been in the works for several years.

"The key is this: We are seeing a gradual revolution in the city where ... fitness is rising to the top," said Memphis mayor A C Wharton at a meeting in Orange Mound last night. "It's not about the size of the skatepark; it's about the depth of commitment to changing this city."

Two views of a 17,000-square-foot Wormhoudt-designed skatepark built in Venice Beach last year

Zach Wormhoudt of skatepark designers Wormhoudt Inc. said they had no preconceived notions of what the park should be. But participants were shown pictures of bowls, rails, half-pipes, and snake runs, among others, to get an idea of what the park could look like, and they talked about flow, sight lines, and vert.

Several skaters also asked about including certain amenities: shade, seating for spectators, elecrical outlets, lighting for night skating, and nearby drinking fountains. Because adding those amenities would cut into the park's $440,000 construction budget — the city recently added lighting to some soccer fields at a cost of $250,000 — there was some talk about the skating community hosting fundraisers.

"This is the city's first permanent skatepark," Wormhoudt said. "We need to make sure it's a success from Day One."

To compile input, the city has posted an online survey on its website. After viewing 40 pictures, survey participants will be asked to rank what they would like to see the most.

The last day to take the survey is Tuesday, September 28th.

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